Letter Strokes
Introduction
Lettering is not like handwriting. With practice, you can learn to letter well
and legibly even if your handwriting is not particularly good.
The order in
which you draw the strokes that form letters are as important as the
individual letters themselves. How you execute the strokes and in what order
will affect the ease and rapidity of your lettering.
Strokes
Strokes are the vertical, horizontal, and curvilinear movements made by your
hand as you draw letters. Strokes are made with a coordinated arm, wrist,
and finger action. Vertical and slanted strokes are made by drawing the
stroke toward you. Horizontal strokes are made from left to right. Curved
strokes are made by rolling the drawing implement with the fingers in the
direction of the stroke. All letters follow the same basic sequence of
execution. Some letters require a combination of all strokes.
Step
Action
1
Draw the vertical strokes.
2
Turn the drawing tool sideways and draw the horizontal strokes.
3
Make the left half of any curved letter first. Hold the drawing tool
between the thumb and forefinger and twirl the drawing tool in the
direction of the stroke as indicated in figure 5-28.
4
Connect any curves as required to finish the letter.
Figure 5-28 illustrates the sequence for making basic lettering strokes.
Figure 5-28.—The sequence for making
basic lettering strokes.
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